Innovative Life Designs 1

Forgiveness

Do you have issues that block you and keep you from moving forward? How good would it feel to lift that burden? Often, this entails letting go of burdens, hatred, anger, or fear. You may need to forgive others or you may need to forgive yourself.

Forgiveness does not mean that you accept, concede, or forget the wronged behavior. Forgiveness comes from accepting that something negative has happened and that there are reasons, (even if those reasons are not acceptable to you). Once you agree to find forgiveness in your heart, you will begin to feel the weight of this oppression melt away.

Have you found your way to forgiveness? There are many ways. One way to find forgiveness is to write the unwritten letter. This is how it is done:
1) Write a venomous letter
2) Leave the letter sit for a few days
3) Prepare to read the letter by:
a) Spending 10 minutes in peaceful meditation while breathing deeply
b) Focus on possible reasons for the individual's behavior
4) Re-read and edit the letter with a slightly different lens
5) Leave the letter for a few more days
6) Prepare to read the letter once again by repeating this procedure:
a) Spending 10 minutes in peaceful meditation while breathing deeply
b) Focus on possible reasons for the individual's behavior
7) Re-read and edit the letter with yet another lens
8) Assess the letter after a few more days and re-read it with a readiness to forgive
9) If you are unable to get to this point, continue the previous steps until you are ready for a final draft
10) If this is the right time, edit the letter one more time with a conclusion to forgive
11) At this time, it is up to you to decide if the reaction you might receive is worth sending this letter
a) You may find that you are able to forgive and leave it in the past. Therefore, you may want to consider holding the letter in a safe and private place or you may determine that to destroy it will be a way to allow you to let it go emotionally.
b) You may find, however, that you would like to send this letter to the perpetrator to help you resolve the issue. You will want to carefully assess your reason for sending the letter. If you are looking for an apology, you should know that this may not be the outcome of your letter. Your letter is only ready when you have overcome the need for an apology. This letter is your way of stating your case in an assertive, non-aggressive way, while perhaps asking, but not expecting a resignation from the recipient.

Have you tried this procedure? Have you found a different option? Share your thoughts and ideas!